Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Marini's on 57 @ Petronas Tower 3

There might be no better perch in KL for sipping a Sangria while soaking up the sunset; launched this month at Petronas Tower 3, Marini's on 57 hopes to raise the bar for what a rooftop bar and restaurant can be.

The entrance to Marini's can be best spotted from outside Mandarin Oriental Hotel's lobby; take the express elevator, which whisks customers within 60 seconds to near the top of the 58-floor Petronas Tower 3.

Spacious, sleek and sleaze-free, flooded with natural light in the early evening. Marini's opens by 4pm everyday, closing a full 12 hours later before dawn breaks.

Marini's on 57 features air-conditioned and alfresco areas. There'll be separate sections for an Italian restaurant and a whiskey lounge by mid-July; we're keen to see what those will look like.

And for folks keeping count, yep, this is now KL's highest-level watering hole; Skybar, Luna Bar and The View are mostly on the thirtysomething-floor of their buildings.

The trump card might be the unbeatable proximity to the Petronas Twin Towers. Positioned as both an after-work haunt and a late-night party place, Marini's seems to require reservations for the best tables.

Bar bites here are better than average too, but as expensive as expected. Nevertheless, these French fries (RM15++) are mighty fine, especially with a moreish house-made truffle dip that's buttery-creamy and earthy-fragrant.

Lamb kofta with harissa sauce grilled bread (RM28++). Giving the staff members here their due: service is lightning-swift and sunshine-warm.

Marini's happy hours stretch from 4pm through 9pm. Excellent bargains include RM25++ for a glass of Prosecco La Fara ...

... or a glass of Italian Coste Delle Plaie Rosso ...

... or a pleasurably potent Mojito.

As more eateries work to open before Ramadan, we're looking forward to the next few weeks.

In an eerie coincidence, this entry on Marini's on 57 comes a day after our Midi 57 post (the former's on the 57th floor of its skyscraper, the latter's No. 57 on its street). Perhaps that's a number that warrants a closer watch.

Rest assured, a few more up-in-the-air hangouts will open before 2012 is over; keep an eye out for THIRTY8 by the time the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opens in September.

Simple Person: heheh, it's totally safe here, with strong and tall glass walls :D oh yeah, i'd love in live in this neighborhood too, but i'll never be able to earn or save enough money for a condo here, sigh. if you buy a condo here, i'll come and visit you! =)

Sorry just a few questions,i understand that this is a bar and restaurant together. so which side gives better food? or the bar only serves finger food while main course will have to be from the restaurant?

Werewolf: there's some overlap. Some of the food from the restaurant is also available to order at the bar. But the selection at the main restaurant is wider, so if you're looking for dinner here instead of just snacks and drinks, then try the restaurant =)

Hi Sean, I would prefer the restaurant, and a surprise dinner for my wife since we just got married and expecting our first baby this september, how much do you think it will cost me to organize a beautiful romantic dinner package for two? with rose flowers on table and my wife name